James Harold Tootle

Referred to as “Jimmy” by his family and “Jim” by close friends and colleagues, Jimmy was born on May 4, 1934, in Tattnall County, to Harold and Lillie Tootle. His siblings included his two living brothers, Ray and Marcus. Jimmy also had 2 brother who preceded him in death, Theo and Carroll and 3 sisters, Janice, Betty, and Sue.

Jimmy graduated from Reidsville High School in 1951 and after graduating from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College he joined the United States Air Force in December 1955. He spent the next 23 years in the Air Force proudly serving his country being stationed in Texas, Florida, Georgia, The Philippines, New York, Germany, Vietnam, South Carolina, Okinawa, and finally Illinois. He earned multiple Bronze Service, Meritorious Service and Air Force Commendation Medals before retiring July 31, 1979.

While stationed in Bien Hoa Air Base in Vietnam in 1969, he met his loving wife Anh, and they were married October 1, 1971. They were blessed with two daughters, Joy and Janet. Upon retirement from the Air Force, the family moved to Merritt Island and Jimmy embarked on a new career with the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier which he pursued for 17 years. He retired from the USPS in 1998. In the immediate years upon retirement, he helped Anh run her alterations shop in Merritt Island. Upon her retirement they continued life in Merritt Island being loyal members of Grace United Methodist Church.

Jimmy will always be remembered as selfless, patient, and generous, always giving to others and never asking for anything in return. He was the ultimate caretaker to his children, grandchildren, parents, in-laws, sister, and in his final years to his loving wife Anh.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Anh, his daughter Joy (Jeff) of Gainesville, Florida and daughter Janet (Kurt) of Harwood, Maryland. He has four beautiful grandchildren Jamey (15), Jasmine (11), Lillie (10), and James (6).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association, or Grace United Methodist Church of Merritt Island.

A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.